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Good, Cheap, Fretless

thisSNsucks

thisSNsucks

I build Grosbeak Guitars and Basses
Commercial User
Dec 19, 2004
4,636
2,952
39
Yonkers, NY
www.grosbeakguitars.com
Disclosures
Grosbeak Guitars
#1
So, I have the itch to learn how to play fretless. I've never played one before, and after searching for one at a few local shops with no luck, I'm turning to you TB.

I'd like to order a good (for the money) cheap fretless to see if I even like it. I'd like to stay around $300

I've only seen the Squier Vintage Modified, and the SX models.

Are there any other cheap fretless basses in that price range that I should look into?

Thanks in advance!
 
#2
Used MIM fretless Jazz basses can be found less than $300. While I play a fretless Jazz bass (MIJ), I'm not recommending it because I play one, but because in the whole scheme of things, you're probably more likely to find a fretless Jazz bass due to general Jazz bass popularity than any other fretless bass at that price point. Squiers and SX and others can be good too.
 
#6
Yamaha RBX270F (if they're still available)
If you don't want a traditional bass (jazz bass).

I have two RBX260Fs (previous to the 270, no Jpup at the bridge) and I love them.
They were very cheap and good quality, I learned to play fretless on the RBX260F.


You can't go wrong with a Yamaha. :)
 
#9
Look at the Dean Edge Fretless. I picked up a new sunburst Dean Edge 5 fretless at Bass Northwest. For the money (less that $500) I was pleasantly surprised at the tone and playability of the instrument. Since it had a nice rosewood board, I sprang for a set of TI Jazz flats and it sounds great!

Like you, I was itching to get into fretless to see what it was like. The Dean is unlined, so it took awhile to get the intonation down, but it was fun learning. I even got up enough nerve to play an entire 4 hour gig on it! I've since gone back to the fretted basses for most of the work because they don't award difficulty points in your average bar gig. :) It took way too much concentration and took my attention away from the antics on the dance floor. :p

Randy
 
#10
bstringrandy said:
Look at the Dean Edge Fretless. I picked up a new sunburst Dean Edge 5 fretless at Bass Northwest. For the money (less that $500) I was pleasantly surprised at the tone and playability of the instrument. Since it had a nice rosewood board, I sprang for a set of TI Jazz flats and it sounds great!

Like you, I was itching to get into fretless to see what it was like. The Dean is unlined, so it took awhile to get the intonation down, but it was fun learning. I even got up enough nerve to play an entire 4 hour gig on it! I've since gone back to the fretted basses for most of the work because they don't award difficulty points in your average bar gig. :) It took way too much concentration and took my attention away from the antics on the dance floor. :p

Randy
Click to expand...
I've tried quite a few...and the Dean Edge just whipped them all for the under $500 group of fretless instruments. I've played mine for almost four years at this point - fantastic instrument all around...and not "just for the money".

Of note - the Dean Edge 4 fretless is WAY under $500 (about $350) but it has seriously gone up in price over the past 3 years (used to be about $280 with a hardshell case). The neck profile is amazing...one of the best "feeling" necks I've ever played.

I strongly recommend them....it will play along with higher-end instruments just fine, so you might find that it becomes quite a bit more than "just a starter fretless".

just my .02,
Jay
 
#11
Thunderthumbs73 said:
Used MIM fretless Jazz basses can be found less than $300. While I play a fretless Jazz bass (MIJ), I'm not recommending it because I play one, but because in the whole scheme of things, you're probably more likely to find a fretless Jazz bass due to general Jazz bass popularity than any other fretless bass at that price point. Squiers and SX and others can be good too.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I picked mine up, nearly new and in minty condition, for exactly $300. Incidentally, it's the best fretless I've yet played (in as far as feel and sound go).
 
#13
bstringrandy said:
Look at the Dean Edge Fretless. I picked up a new sunburst Dean Edge 5 fretless at Bass Northwest. For the money (less that $500) I was pleasantly surprised at the tone and playability of the instrument. Since it had a nice rosewood board, I sprang for a set of TI Jazz flats and it sounds great!

Like you, I was itching to get into fretless to see what it was like. The Dean is unlined, so it took awhile to get the intonation down, but it was fun learning. I even got up enough nerve to play an entire 4 hour gig on it! I've since gone back to the fretted basses for most of the work because they don't award difficulty points in your average bar gig. :) It took way too much concentration and took my attention away from the antics on the dance floor. :p

Randy
Click to expand...
My first fretless was a Dean Edge 5 fretless that I bought New Year's Eve 1999 for $400 at a local shop. It was and is a completely fantastic instrument. I no longer own it because I replaced it with a 6 string Brice from Rondo (which is not as good as the Dean, but was much cheaper). My Dean Edge fretless had a completely wonderful neck, sounded fantastic, and looked the business. Over the years the models have changed. Some have lines, some do not. Some have active EQ, some do not. Some have EMG-HZ branded pickups, some have Dean branded pickups. They all have wonderful five-piece maple/walnut necks and comfortable light bodies. The more expensive models have fancy tops and some are even solid ash.

here's what mine looked like:
Link Removed

I've tried a few of the new Squier basses in stores and they're not my style compared to the Dean.

Also, in case you're not aware (living in a cave?) Rondo Music has some very nice fretless basses at quite low prices. My main fretless today is a Brice V2 that I bought years ago in their old NJ store before it closed. They are quite good for the money, they are so inexpensive that it would be tough to go wrong with something from them. While my Brice is a solid giggable instrument, it is not as nice as the Dean Edge it replaced. Of course it wasn't as expensive as the Dean either - both represent fantastic value!
 
#17
I think there should be a sticky about starter fretless basses...but back to the topic...I highly recommend the Squier VM fretless. It sounds and feels fantastic for the price, under $300, and you can physically try it out at most Guitar Centers and other music stores. Some of the others mentioned here, while Im sure they are great, I doubt you will be able to try first unless you find it locally on Craigslist. A major detail for me.

I bought a Squier without knowing any of the hype (it was before I joined TB). I happened into a music store looking for an amp and it looked cool. I always wanted to have a fretless but didnt want to spend alot. I tried it and loved it. My wife went and bought it for me a week later for my birthday (which was a year ago yesterday lol). This should probably be your first choice (IMHO)
 
#18
I would like to recommend that you do not get one with fret lines. I feel that after playing a couple of weeks or so you will you will rapidly out grow the need for them and regret that you have them. Side markers and your ears are more than adequate. IMHO
 

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